While Mickey 17 is adapted from Edward Ashton’s 2022 novel Mickey7, Ashton’s version is a much more straightforward sci-fi story than Bong’s. In the Korean virtuoso’s hands, this story plays out like an extension of nearly every theme and visual approach he’s used throughout his lengthy career.

The sci-fi thriller is director Bong Joon Ho's first film since the Oscar-winning "Parasite" in 2019. But it has had a slow start at the box office.

Mickey 17 should not be expected to follow in Parasite’s footsteps as a major Oscars contender, no matter how good Bong Joon Ho’s latest film is.